Thoughts From A Pandemic Puppy Mom

By: Jenna Tocatlian

Lives: Denver

Insta: @jennatocat

To get a dog or not to get a dog? That’s the question I pondered over the past four years. When I originally started debating the idea, I was in college and realized that it wouldn’t be responsible or fair to bring a dog into the mix. But que COVID, a virtual college graduation and entering adulthood in a pandemic, the idea of getting a puppy started to creep its way back to the front of my mind.

If you’re reading this, it shouldn’t shock you that I bit the bullet and now am I proud dog momma. The decision wasn’t easy, but it all came down to the fact that the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Would working in the office be more ideal than my kitchen bar? Absolutely! Would I love to sing Driver’s License in an overcrowded bar? Duh. While I’d love to be living it up in my new city and making the most of my early-20’s, that’s not the case these days. But the fact that I’m spending more time in my apartment than anyone would care to admit was a key reason that I was finally able to get a dog.

I knew that in the next the next three years I would’ve gotten a dog. And the more I thought about it, why wouldn’t I take advantage of the unprecedented times we’re living in, make the most of a bad situation and be able to spend ample time at home with a puppy? Call me an optimist, but I’m hoping that the world won’t look like this forever and that one day I’ll work in an office and be able to have a normal social life and when that all starts happening, I wouldn’t have the time needed to dedicate to raising a doggo. So, with all that considered, I decided to do it.

My parents thought I was insane. Why would a recent grad trying to adjust to newfound adulthood want to add another responsibility to her plate? All valid points, but I’m so glad that I didn’t to listen to them.

My dog’s name is Crosby and he’s the light of my life. I get so much joy out of the little crazy things he does, the constant laughs he provides me and my roommate and the much-needed motivation he gives me to get outside and move my body.

It’s not news to anyone that the last year has been incredibly trying and isolating. Things have been thrown at us left and right and nothing has gone as planned. But the silver lining in all of this for me has been being able to fulfill my long-awaited dream of being a dog mom and being able to do it the right way by having more time than I would’ve ever imagined to train him and actually be able to enjoy the little moments.

That’s not all to say that it’s not a huge responsibility at the same time. It freaks me out when I remember I’m responsible for a living breathing creature. All of my plans circulate around him – I can’t spontaneously go away for a weekend or stay out too long at a boozy brunch. Granted we are living in a pandemic so there’s really not much going on, but my schedule will forever revolve around him. He also costs a pretty penny. Between grooming, vet bills, training and wanting to spoil him with cute sweaters and toys, I spend more money on him than I do myself most of the time. I’m happy to do it, but I will admit that there are a lot more-sneaky costs than I had anticipated.

All that said, if you’ve thought long and hard about getting a dog and what it would mean for your life in the long term and you’re comfortable with the responsibility, COVID is a great time to take the plunge. I truly can’t imagine what a struggle it would be to be training and caring for a puppy while commuting into an office and juggling a normal social life. I’m incredibly lucky that outside of the fact that I spend most of my days in my apartment, I also have a great support system. My friends are always happy to take him on walks if I’m in back-to-back meetings and my roommate is awesome about watching him if I need to get out of the apartment for some me-time.

I couldn’t be happier with my decision. He’s lot of responsibility but also so much reward. Getting a dog is not a decision you should make overnight because at the end of the day you want to give your fur baby the happiest life. Make sure you have a good support system because it truly takes a village. Expect the unexpected. But if you’re like me and you can’t resist your heart pulling you in the direction of becoming a pet-owner, I’d take advantage of the weird times we’re living in and bring home your new baby. Because trust me, quarantining is MUCH easier when you have a puppy to brighten your day.

Shameless plug: follow my floof on IG @crosbytheauggie. Premium content only, I promise!

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